BMI rewards roofing apprentice competition winners

Last month saw two roofing apprentices awarded the title of BMI Apprentice of the Year following two days of competition, earning a cash prize and unlocking hands-on training to support their future development.

The BMI Apprentice of the Year competition, now in its eighth year, is designed to support the next generation of roofers to showcase and strengthen their skills and passion for the industry. This year, 18 apprentices made it to the final of the competition which took place at the BMI Academy over two days on 24th & 25th July.

Leah Stewart, an apprentice with Roof & Fibre and Fife College, was crowned the BMI Redland Apprentice of the Year for Pitched Roofing, while Robbie Gosden of Taylor Roofs and the National Construction College earned the top spot as BMI Icopal Apprentice of the Year for Flat Roofing.

Taking home the Highly Commended awards were Samuel Jinks of Dalton Roofing and Leeds College of Building for the pitched category and Tommy Lee McGee of Sussex Asphalte and Simian for flat.

“We were blown away by the standard on show at this year’s competition, as well as the passion and enthusiasm shown for our industry,” said Fraser Biles, commercial director at BMI. “Every finalist gave it their all across every stage of the competition and the judges had a tough job to whittle the candidates down to find this year’s winners. The theme of this year’s competition was ‘building new horizons’ and I can confidently say that every one of these apprentices has a bright future ahead of them. Leah and Robbie stood out in particular. Not only did they clearly demonstrate the skills they’ve learned in their roofing journeys so far, but it was clear to see their passion and eagerness to learn more at every opportunity.

Each of this year’s winners were awarded a £1,000 cash prize and three years’ worth of training through the BMI Academy.